The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fifth Class Kenneth L. Brooks, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 July 1969 while serving as a tank gunner with Company H, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Company H was reinforcing a convoy which had been suddenly engaged by an enemy force of unknown size. As it swept through the area, two vehicles blocked the way, preventing the proper deployment of tanks. Specialist Brooks dashed over fifty meters of open ground through the withering hail of hostile fire to the blocked position and guided the tanks out of the area. After the assault began communications could not be established with an infantry platoon. Against Specialist Brooks raced through the hostile fire to the platoon which was over two hundred meters away and gave them the proper assistance. Later during the engagement, his commanding officer was struck by small arms fire. Specialist Brooks threw his own body across the commander’s as the strikes began, saving the commander from further injury. Specialist Fifth Class Brooks’ actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.